Can you talk the walk?

Northwatch News Release

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North Bay and area residents are being encouraged to evaluate their neighbourhoods as places to walk and bike, and then take action to address local challenges. A community workshop and neighbourhood walkabout on Tuesday, June 22nd will kick start the local initiative.

Led by community design expert Paul Young, the Walkability workshop will take a practical approach to identifying ways to improve the walking and cycling conditions for local residents. The session includes a walkabout in a nearby neighbourhood.

“We're working with residents to identify and address local issues that may prevent people from walking and biking”, explains Mandy Johnson from the provincial organization WalkOn.

“Our goal is to return to a time when people would walk or bike to where they need to go. Research shows that if people can walk and cycle conveniently and safely, they and their communities are more likely to experience the
health and other benefits that people-powered transportation provides.”

Residents attending the workshop will be invited to consider a number of factors that affect walking and cycling. For example, the condition of local sidewalks, whether there are local destinations such as shops nearby, and how to make routes safer and more pleasant for walking and biking.

The workshop will take place on Tuesday, June 22nd from 10 a.m to 2 pm (coffee and muffins will be ready at 9:30!) The workshop will begin and end in the “Super Suite” meeting room at Memorial Gardens, with a walkabout in a nearby neighbourhood as part of the workshop session. A
suggested donation of $10 per person will include workshop materials and a light lunch. More details are available at http://www.northwatch.org. Pre-registration is required.

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